If you see a deer, a sharp change of direction can put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle, take you off the road or lead to a much more serious collision, experts say. Patrick Pleul/dpaDrivers are being warned to take extra care as the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions approaches, UK road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has said.GEM Motoring Assist has said that October to December is traditionally the most common time for deer strikes in much of the northern hemisphere as the mating season coincides with darker evenings and busy commuting periods.The motoring safety organisation has said that the chance of a strike isn't restricted to rural roads, either, as deer can appear on major roads and divided highways as they move through fields and gardens.Estimates from conservationists at the British Deer Society show that more than 40,000 deer are killed in vehicle collisions on the UK's roads each year, with the resulting damage to cars estimated to cost at least £17 million per year ($22.6 million), according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a UK animal welfare charity).Researchers in the United States have documented an even larger problem, with approximately 1.5 to 2.1 million deer-vehicle collisions occurring annually across North America, according to the Federal Highway Administration. These collisions result in 200 to 440 human fatalities and up to 59,000 injuries each year, with economic losses exceeding $10 billion annually."The next few weeks bring a predictable seasonal risk, but it is one that can catch drivers out on even familiar roads," James Luckhurst, GEM head of road safety, said."Deer can emerge from cover with very little warning, and darker evening journeys reduce the time available to react. We want drivers to recognise the risk, reduce speed where deer may be present and keep scanning the road and verges ahead," he said."If a deer runs into your path, your priority must be to remain in control. Brake firmly if it is safe to do so, but avoid a sudden swerve. A sharp change of direction can put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle, take you off the road or lead to a much more serious collision."Drivers are being advised to slow down and stay alert, particularly in areas where deer warning signs are installed, and expect deer to be crossing roads at dawn and dusk. If a collision looks unavoidable, motorists shouldn't swerve, as this could push them into oncoming traffic, a ditch or other obstacles at the roadside.German road safety experts have issued similar warnings around this time, with the Auto Club Europa advising drivers to reduce speed and observe road edges carefully and remain brake-ready on routes through forests or along field edges.If you see a deer, a sharp change of direction can put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle, take you off the road or lead to a much more serious collision, experts say. Arne Dedert/dpa